Description:
Critical thinking and problem-solving, clinical reasoning, self-reflection and self-awareness are valued attributes of the contemporary nurse. These skills are essential for the provision of safe and competent person-centred care to patients with ever-increasing acuity and multiple, often complex comorbidities. This chapter focuses on critical thinking, clinical reasoning and reflective practice, and personal documentation using e-portfolios, along with strategies to assist beginning nurses in the development of these specific skills, which should be honed, practised and adapted to everyday clinical practice. The chapter also assists the professional nurse to develop methods to demonstrate their personal and professional development through the use of e-portfolios.
Description:
Since the 1990's the workplace has sought to deal with globalisation, the ever increasing pace of technology, and recently the emerging impact of age upon the workforce. Within the workplace change is now the new norm. Consequently increases in workplace stress, anxiety and even burnout among employees is an emerging challenge of the contemporary workplace (Cartwright & Holmes, 2006). Workplace anxiety and stress can result from the fundamentals of change and a lack of control over these things by employees. In the workplace, there may be a misfit between the needs and capabilities of employees and what the organisation or workplace demands or offers of them (Cartwright & Cooper 1997). Change and innovation may exact a high toll on worker's physical and mental health. The negative effects on employee's fitness, financial earnings and emotions will be borne, at least in part, by the organisation. It is imperative therefore that organisational leaders support and mentor employees generally and more so through the change processes.